DEX-COOL revisited

One of the local stations aired a consumer alert for owners of GM
vehicles with DEX-COOL. From lurking here I was aware of the intake
gasket problem on the old body trucks with the 5700 engine. Because of

this I changed the coolant at the coolant at the 50k service ('02
Sierra) just to be safe. I never knew the problem was so widespread nor
was I aware there was a class action suit in progress.
According to the article GM is telling people to call their local dealer
to get change intervals specific to their climate and terrain. For yucks
I called mine and they played the "That's news to me" card and said do
whatever the manual says.
I haven't been reading this group since I ditched Roadrunner (dial up is
a bitch after broadband) but this story really caught my attention and
thought at the very least I could get thoughts from the pros out there.
Here is a link to the article:
http://www.wcpo.com/wcpo/localshows/dontwasteyourmoney/20299ce7.html
Thanks,
Joshua

I recently spoke to my GM dealer and they said that the problem can be
caused by air trapped in the system. This happened in some vehicles
because the systems were not "burped" properly at the factory. GM and
Texaco (the manufacturer of Dex Cool) say that air and an improperly
fitting or faulty radiator cap will cause the problem. Also, if you add
water that is high in mineral content you may end up with the problem.
At any rate you should keep the reservoir filled to the HOT level when
cold to prevent air from entering the system. Also, NEVER, NEVER mix
Dex Cool and regular ethelyne glycol antifreeze (the green stuff) and if
you want to convert to the green stuff, you must flush the system
thoroughly and open all drains on the engine to get all the Dex Cool out
before refilling with regular antifreeze.

Well I'm going to change mine this year sometime, I think whats in there
might be the origianl from the factory as it's a '99 *shrug* who knows..
I've only owned the truck 5 mons. after I do it this summer I'm gonna change
it every 2-3years prolly. can't hurt.
Adair

We now recommend changing Dexcool every 3 years and
around the 100,000 kilometre mark. Regardless of what
anyone thinks, there has been a "noticable" increase in
cooling sytem component failures since the introduction
of Dexcool. GM and texaco can make all the excuses
they want, but it certainly cannot be touted as any kind
of "long life" coolant.
Ian

Thanks fo the update Lan, I'll keep that in mind. Rich B
******************************************
I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much
liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it.
~ Thomas Jefferson ~

I have a 3/4 ton with the oil cooler in the drivers side tank and it's been
leaking for a while at the top nut I don't believe dexcool caused it but,
who knows? A new one is $392.00 from napaonline which sucks in a major way.

I recently fixed mine by draining the system, removing the oil lines,
taking the oil cooler tank nuts off & making new gaskets from some sheet
rubber (neoprene). Installed with no gasketing compound & it's been leak
free for 6 months now.

I found the rule of thumb is to measure the voltage of the colant. If it
is above .8 volts then it is doing damage. I typically get 14 months of
heavy usage a snow plowing before this occurs.
Joshua Phillips wrote:

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